There are plenty of places in the home to show off beautiful natural stone besides a kitchen or bath countertop. One area that is experiencing a lot of new, creative twists is the fireplace surround. Here, the material you choose can make a strong design statement, add interest, and reflect your individual design style. The hearth can serve as a dramatic focal point or a subtle design that blends into the surrounding décor. The possibilities are endless!

One of our favorite looks for a fireplace surround is a natural and subtle gray, like the looks you can create with materials such as Soapstone, Neolith, and Granite, just to name a few. It’s a very down-to-earth look that can blend into décor that’s modern and hip, completely classic, or anywhere in between. The shades of gray these exquisite materials come in help to create a sense of warmth that never goes out of style.

Here are some examples…

Soapstone

Natural, unoiled soapstone fireplace surround by Siemasko + Verbridge; photo via Houzz

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock made mostly of the mineral talc, which is the softest mineral there is. So while you might think it’s too soft to be a good surfacing material, it’s actually very resilient. It’s resistant to stains, chemicals, most liquids, and the elements, plus it’s virtually heat proof. So soapstone makes a strong and beautiful fireplace surround. Choosing a honed finish offers a more subtle and natural look.

Neolith

Neolith fireplace surround; photo via THESIZE

Ultra-compact, high-performance Neolith comes in slabs so long that they’re great for large stretches of walls, without seams or joints. If you wanted to cover your entire fireplace wall with the same material, Neolith would be an excellent choice. The slabs are so thin and compact that the material can be affixed right over any existing wall or material. Neolith is impervious to scratching, stains, chemicals, UV rays, and especially heat and fire. In fact, Neolith doesn’t burn or release any smoke at all when it comes into contact with open flames. Residue from a wood fire can easily be wiped away, making it an ideal fireplace material.

Granite

 Fireplace Surround & Hearth done in Jet Mist Honed by 3SM Marble & Granite; photo via Houzz

Granite is not only a top choice for countertops, but it’s an excellent material for fireplaces too. Granite holds up to heat and each slab offers its own unique veining pattern making your particular selection totally one-of-a kind. One of our favorite types of granite for fireplace surrounds is “Jet Mist”. Whether honed, leathered, or polished, it’s a beautiful yet subtle material that blends with practically any decorating scheme.

Want to know more about which natural stones make the best fireplace surrounds? Visit one of our two New England showroom locations or check out our online inventory. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have to help you create your dream fireplace focal point.